7 Stretch Mark Home Remedies That Are Worth Trying

A top dermatologist (and new mom herself) shares some at-home tips and tricks for fighting back against those pesky tiger stripes.

Are stretch marks treatable?

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The best treatment to get rid of stretch marks is prevention. If you’re pregnant, use a stretch mark prevention cream throughout your pregnancy. Once you notice them, the damage is already done. If you start too late, we’ll give it to you straight: “Stretch marks are incredibly difficult to treat without deep-stimulating devices like lasers and microneedling,” shares Rachel Nazarian, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City. “At-home treatments may lessen the appearance slightly, especially during the early inflammatory phase, where stretch marks are redder and more noticeable.” The following treatments may not work for everyone, but trying them can’t hurt.

Coconut oil for stretch marks

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Besides making you feel like you’re at the beach, coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help lighten and fade stretch marks. “Although it tends to be solid at room temperature, gentle rubbing between your palms offers enough heat to turn it into a liquid, and makes it easy to apply to affected areas of the body,” Dr. Nazarian adds. “Apply daily for at least three months.” Find out the science behind weird pregnancy cravings.

Sugar

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Believe it or not, sugar can help you get rid of stretch marks. It serves as a homeopathic microdermabrasion method to clear your skin. Mix sugar with almond or coconut oil and lemon juice and rub it over your stretch marks for eight to ten minutes several times a week.

Vitamin C for stretch marks

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“Vitamin C has been shown in part to improve stretch marks in a clinical study when applied daily for 12 weeks,” shares Dr. Nazarian. “Eating foods rich in vitamin C may help improve the appearance of stretch marks—and they’re quite easy to find; look for fruits such as strawberries and mangoes.” These are the pregnancy myths you can safely ignore.

Hyaluronic acid

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Hyaluronic acid helps to boost collagen production, which is the protein in our skin that helps it keep its shape and appear healthy. It helps to increase skin elasticity, moisturize, heal wounds, get rid of wrinkles, and helps with anti-aging. Look for it as an ingredient in lotions or take a capsule.

Aloe vera for stretch marks

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Aloe vera is super moisturizing, protects the skin from the elements, and may help to get rid of stretch marks. Aloe vera is also known for helping to heal wounds so even if it doesn’t help in miraculously getting rid of stretch marks, at least your skin will be super healthy. Don’t miss these other beauty surprises that happen during pregnancy.

Vitamin A

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Vitamin A is a retinoid, which means it makes skin appear smoother. Using creams with Vitamin A, taking supplements, or adding Vitamin A rich foods to your diet can help to improve your skin and get rid of stretch marks.

Over-the-counter creams and lotions for stretch marks

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Brands like Mederma and Burt’s Bees offer over-the-counter treatments packed with many of the ingredients previously mentioned to help get rid of stretch marks. Mederma is a well-known treatment for reducing the appearance of scars, but they also offer stretch mark therapy, which has been clinically shown to help prevent the appearance of stretch marks. It comes in either a cream or a dry oil. Burt’s Bees Natural Mama Bee Nourishing Oil contains vitamin E, almond oil, and other natural ingredients. Next, find out the surprising fertility facts OB-GYNs wish you knew.

Felissa Allard has worked at The New York Daily News, Health, Life & Style, About.com and more. As a freelancer, she has had pieces published on What To Expect, SELF, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Modern Mom, Working Mother, and more. Her specialities are beauty, fashion, health, wellness, and parenting.